Main Street Medina hosts first annual Pizza Palooza

Graham Scott, 7 of Medina bites into a piece of Medina's Pizza Hut pieces loaded with cheese and sausage at Saturday's Pizza Palooza on Medina's public square. Christina Tesar/Special to Sun News

Domino’s and Romeo’s can brag they are the Best Pizzas in Medina County — this year, at least.

Guests at Main Street Medina’s inaugural Pizza Palooza event June 8 on Public Square voted and chose Romeo’s Pizza as the best and three judges — Mayor Dennis Hanwell, Councilman Paul Rose and County Commissioner Pat Geissman — chose Domino’s as the best.

The first Pizza Palooza was a huge success with more than 1,000 people participating. Ryan Radzinski, event coordinator for Main Street Medina, wanted to combine the event with the popular Medina County Farmer’s Market and the non-profit showcase on the square.

“There’s about 35-40 non-profits and seven pizzerias on the square today,” he said. “A lot of the non-profits in Medina wanted to do something on the square to promote themselves and let the community know what they do. We had the idea of having something fun in conjunction with it. Who doesn’t like pizza?”

For $5, guests were able to sample seven slices of pizza from Guys, Gionino’s, Marco’s, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Romeo’s and East of Chicago. The winners were awarded $250. More than 200 visitors bought “pizza passports” in the first 90 minutes of the event.

“There are so many different activities at the same time,” said Allen Truman of Medina. “I was planning on hitting the farmer’s market anyhow. I saw Pizza Palooza was going on and the non-profit showcase. I can be informed as well as shop. The deal on this pizza is awesome also. I’m down to my last two slices and I’m stuffed. It’s never too early for pizza. Pizza can be eaten anytime.”

For Edie Capotoczky it was a great introduction to the square.

“This is my first venture out to the square,” she said. “I think it’s lovely. I love Rally in

the Alley and enjoy the restaurants here. It’s like a little community. It’s very convenient. It’s within walking distance. People seem friendly.”

However, the event wasn’t just about the food and shopping. Many community agencies and organizations were there to introduce themselves to the community.

One of them was the Snow family of Medina with Stand Up for Downs. The organization hosts comedians to help raise money for organizations supporting children with Down Syndrome. At his booth guests could tell a joke and “win a lousy prize,” which was candy.

Rob Snow said, “There’s a lot of traffic. I’ve been here since about 8 a.m. this morning. It’s picked up tremendously. This is a great event. It’s been good.”

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